How to pump mud out of a hole?

[Nittus]

Me again. I had an issue with water getting into my post holes and filling up. I was recommended using a submersible pump, which worked fine to remove the water, however something i didn't account for was the approximately 600mm of very sloppy mud that found its way into the holes.

The holes are 450x1500 deep, and using a post hole shovel is next to useless as the mud has the consistency of melted ice cream. A friend of mine has a 60 litre vacuum separator tank that he said i could borrow,  i just need to supply my own vacuum. Unfortunately our dyson will not be allowed to assist me in this job, so i need to buy a shop vac that will have the suction power to suck the mud into the separator.

What would be a good shop vac for the job?

Thanks in advance 

[EricL]

Hello @Nittus 

I propose using a metal bucket with a rope tied to its handle and weighing it down with a heavy rock. The bucket will sink to the bottom of the mud and filling the bucket allowing you to empty out the post holes.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @Noyade for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nittus]

Unfortunately that will not work in this situation.

[Noyade]

Hi Nittus @Nittus 

Would the humble spring loaded 'clam-shell' style poop scoop work?

[Nailbag]

Hi @Nittus 

Without knowing how powerful the vacuum needs to be, maybe your friend can advise? Otherwise I would go with one of the mid-sized workshop vacuums in either Ryobi or Ozito. This will come in handy well past this project as there are more suited to vacuum almost anything safely that domestic cleaners shouldn't be used for. Also great for your car as they are on wheels.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @Nittus 

Mmmm I am thinking of a piece of timber with a cut off plastic bottle on it. Depending on how runny the mud is even a 600mm bottle sliced 2/3rds diagonally across it and attached vertically to the say 30mm or 400mm wide timber. Something you can force down into the mud to scoop on the upwards pull. 

If its too thick then a metal can sideways (say a large tuna can) to slowly scoop the mud out. When I was digging holes for my deck it rained and I ended up having to scoop ot 16 of 600mm deep holes Was a messy day but it really kicked my butt to get the concreting done

Might be messy but it will get the mud out hopefully. How many holes do you have to do?

Dave

[MitchellMc]

If the options above do not work, @Nittus, you might need to wait until you get some drier weather so the mud solidifies before you can use the pincer post-hole shovel. In case it rains, perhaps you could lay a large tarp over the area to prevent further water from getting in the holes.

Mitchell

[Nittus]

I've got 8 holes remaining at 450x1500 😞 I had 9 last week but got one concreted in. The real kick in the teeth is it's clay based soil, so even if the mud starts to dry out, the clay sticks to the post hole shovel. I kinda want to take advantage of the muds current runny state, so that way it would be easier to pump it out. Failing that, the scoop idea might work.

[Nittus]

Not 100% sure, my mates vacuum is a Festool brand one but i don't know its power rating. I'm gonna see him on Friday to grab the vacuum tank, so i'll check it out then. As for the the workshop vac, well i've wanted one of those for a while anyway cos i want to do some vacuum moldings when my shed is built.

[EricL]

Hi @Nittus 

I believe, the scoop idea from @Dave-1 sounds very achievable. Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing the mud removed from your post holes. 

Eric